August birthstone: Peridot necklace

We also included 3 mm bicone crystals in peridot satin, and used vermeil cones to cover the wire ends for a sturdy, pretty finish.

SUPPLIES

necklace 18 in. (46 cm)

16-in. (41 cm) strand turquoise chips

40–50 3 mm bicone crystals

4 or 5 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm) strands 2–3 mm round peridot beads

1 g 11/0 seed beads

flexible beading wire, .010 or .012

flexible beading wire, .014 or .015

8 in. (20 cm) 20- or 22-gauge half-hard wire

2 cones

6 crimp beads

toggle clasp

chainnose and roundnose pliers

diagonal wire cutters

crimping pliers (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut four pieces of .010 or .012 beading wire. On each wire, string peridot beads interspersed with bicone crystals until the strand is within 2 in. (5 cm) of the finished length.

Step 1

2. Cut a piece of .014 or .015 beading wire. String turquoise chips interspersed with bicones until the strand is within 2 in. (5 cm) of the finished length.

Step 2

3. Cut a 4-in. (10 cm) piece of 20- or 22-gauge wire. Make a wrapped loop on one end. Repeat.

Step 3

4. On each end of each strand, string five to eight 11/0 seed beads. Over the ends of two peridot strands, string a crimp bead and a wrapped loop. Repeat with the remaining peridot strands.

On each end of the turquoise strand, string a crimp bead and a wrapped loop.

Check the fit, allowing 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) for finishing, and add or remove beads if necessary. With each strand, go back through the last few beads strung and tighten the wire. Crimp the crimp bead and trim the excess wire.

Step 4

5. On each end, string a cone and a bicone. Make the first half of a wrapped loop. Attach half of a clasp and complete the wraps.

Step 5

Tip!

To prevent a bulky finish, I used the thinner beading wire for the peridot strands, then crimped pairs of strands together.